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• 1. [Article] Guide for Developing Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plans in Oregon

  This manual focuses on controlling nuisance aquatic plants, occurring in Oregon lakes. To use this manual, it is necessary to distinguish between an aquatic plant problem, and a water quality enrichment ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Guide for Developing Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plans in Oregon Author: Gibbons, Maribeth, Rosenkranz, Mark, Gibbons, Harry L., Sytsma, Mark Year: 1999 This manual focuses on controlling nuisance aquatic plants, occurring in Oregon lakes. To use this manual, it is necessary to distinguish between an aquatic plant problem, and a water quality enrichment problem that typically results in excessive algae production (See Box this page). The most serious type of aquatic plant problem is caused by invasion of a waterbody by a non-native species. Non-native weed invaders may flourish in suitable conditions and degrade habitat and other beneficial uses. The biology and ecology of weeds allows them to fluorish under a wide range of conditions. Nutrient enrichment is not a prerequisite for aquatic weed problems. Illustrations by Ruth Gothenquist, Plant drawings by IFAS Center for Aquatic Plants and Wisconsin Lakes Partnership. Title: Guide for Developing Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plans in Oregon Author: Gibbons, Maribeth, Rosenkranz, Mark, Gibbons, Harry L., Sytsma, Mark Year: 1999 This manual focuses on controlling nuisance aquatic plants, occurring in Oregon lakes. To use this manual, it is necessary to distinguish between an aquatic plant problem, and a water quality enrichment problem that typically results in excessive algae production (See Box this page). The most serious type of aquatic plant problem is caused by invasion of a waterbody by a non-native species. Non-native weed invaders may flourish in suitable conditions and degrade habitat and other beneficial uses. The biology and ecology of weeds allows them to fluorish under a wide range of conditions. Nutrient enrichment is not a prerequisite for aquatic weed problems. Illustrations by Ruth Gothenquist, Plant drawings by IFAS Center for Aquatic Plants and Wisconsin Lakes Partnership. Close

• 2. [Article] Non-­Native Invasive Aquatic Plant and Mussel Survey of Six Umpqua National Forest Area Lakes

  Six lakes and ponds located within or near the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for non-­native aquatic plants and mussels during August, 2009. A diverse assemblage of native plants was identified ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Non-­Native Invasive Aquatic Plant and Mussel Survey of Six Umpqua National Forest Area Lakes Author: Sytsma, Mark, Miller, Rich, Shrestha, Rupa Year: 2010 Six lakes and ponds located within or near the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for non-­native aquatic plants and mussels during August, 2009. A diverse assemblage of native plants was identified along with one possible non-­native aquatic plant hybrid in Herberts Pond. The possible hybrid between the non-­native species Myriophyllum spicatum and the native species M. sibiricum requires genetic analysis for identification. Water chemistry is suitable for the establishment of invasive mussels in Buckeye Lake; however, no zebra or quagga mussel veligers were detected in any of the lakes. Title: Non-­Native Invasive Aquatic Plant and Mussel Survey of Six Umpqua National Forest Area Lakes Author: Sytsma, Mark, Miller, Rich, Shrestha, Rupa Year: 2010 Six lakes and ponds located within or near the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for non-­native aquatic plants and mussels during August, 2009. A diverse assemblage of native plants was identified along with one possible non-­native aquatic plant hybrid in Herberts Pond. The possible hybrid between the non-­native species Myriophyllum spicatum and the native species M. sibiricum requires genetic analysis for identification. Water chemistry is suitable for the establishment of invasive mussels in Buckeye Lake; however, no zebra or quagga mussel veligers were detected in any of the lakes. Close

• 3. [Article] An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon

  Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting abundant aquatic weeds and alge. The lake is eutrophic and has high algal productivity, especially in mid to late summer. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant species, restricts access to and use of Blue Lake by humans. Human uses of the lake which have been impaired including boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Development of the current Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan was driven by the need for an integrated, adaptive management strategy which would address not only the control and prevention of invasive, nuisance plants but also their interaction with algal productivity and water quality, especially pH. The overarching goal of the Blue Lake Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Title: An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting abundant aquatic weeds and alge. The lake is eutrophic and has high algal productivity, especially in mid to late summer. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant species, restricts access to and use of Blue Lake by humans. Human uses of the lake which have been impaired including boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Development of the current Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan was driven by the need for an integrated, adaptive management strategy which would address not only the control and prevention of invasive, nuisance plants but also their interaction with algal productivity and water quality, especially pH. The overarching goal of the Blue Lake Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Close

• 4. [Article] Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska

  Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Author: Morgan, Vanessa Howard, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2009 Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. Aquatic plants are an important part of freshwater environments. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, fish, mammals, and birds; stabilize shorelines; and form an important link in nutrient cycles. To date, Alaska has had relatively few problems with invasive, non-native aquatic plants. However, invasive aquatic plants pose an increasing threat to human safety and the integrity of native aquatic communities. Actions taken to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in Alaska are necessary in order to avoid the environmental and economic harm invasive plants have caused in other parts of the United States. The primary purposes of this manual are to aide the identification of freshwater aquatic plants that are likely to be seen in Alaska’s lakes, streams, bogs and marshes; and to help prevent the spread of harmful invasive plants. This manual was written for people who do not necessarily have a scientific background, but it also should be useful for professionals who need assistance in identifying common aquatic species. Title: Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Author: Morgan, Vanessa Howard, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2009 Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. Aquatic plants are an important part of freshwater environments. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, fish, mammals, and birds; stabilize shorelines; and form an important link in nutrient cycles. To date, Alaska has had relatively few problems with invasive, non-native aquatic plants. However, invasive aquatic plants pose an increasing threat to human safety and the integrity of native aquatic communities. Actions taken to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in Alaska are necessary in order to avoid the environmental and economic harm invasive plants have caused in other parts of the United States. The primary purposes of this manual are to aide the identification of freshwater aquatic plants that are likely to be seen in Alaska’s lakes, streams, bogs and marshes; and to help prevent the spread of harmful invasive plants. This manual was written for people who do not necessarily have a scientific background, but it also should be useful for professionals who need assistance in identifying common aquatic species. Close

• 5. [Article] Oregon Spartina Response Plan

  Four introduced, invasive species of Spartina (cordgrass) have been present in estuarine areas of the U.S. west coast for over a century. These Spartina species are ecological engineers- they cause severe ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Spartina Response Plan Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark, Isaacson, Dennis Year: 2007 Four introduced, invasive species of Spartina (cordgrass) have been present in estuarine areas of the U.S. west coast for over a century. These Spartina species are ecological engineers- they cause severe alternations in the hydrology and food webs of invaded estuaries that are detrimental to native wildlife and commercial and recreational uses. Oregon has been relatively free of these weeds, with only two known infestations. One infestation was eradicated by Oregon Department of Agriculture and the other is currently under eradication by The Nature Conservancy. Title: Oregon Spartina Response Plan Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark, Isaacson, Dennis Year: 2007 Four introduced, invasive species of Spartina (cordgrass) have been present in estuarine areas of the U.S. west coast for over a century. These Spartina species are ecological engineers- they cause severe alternations in the hydrology and food webs of invaded estuaries that are detrimental to native wildlife and commercial and recreational uses. Oregon has been relatively free of these weeds, with only two known infestations. One infestation was eradicated by Oregon Department of Agriculture and the other is currently under eradication by The Nature Conservancy. Close

• 6. [Article] Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2004

  This report was prepared for the Oregon legislature pursuant to HB 3620, which was passed during the 2003 session of the Oregon legislature to address management of ballast water discharged from ships. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2004 Author: Flynn, Kiirsten, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 This report was prepared for the Oregon legislature pursuant to HB 3620, which was passed during the 2003 session of the Oregon legislature to address management of ballast water discharged from ships. The bill removed sediment from the definition of ballast water, allowed discharge of treated ballast water, created a task force on ballast water management, and required this report. Includes List of Acronyms, charts, graphs and maps. Title: Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2004 Author: Flynn, Kiirsten, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 This report was prepared for the Oregon legislature pursuant to HB 3620, which was passed during the 2003 session of the Oregon legislature to address management of ballast water discharged from ships. The bill removed sediment from the definition of ballast water, allowed discharge of treated ballast water, created a task force on ballast water management, and required this report. Includes List of Acronyms, charts, graphs and maps. Close

• 7. [Article] OSMB Final Report: Task 5. Zebra and Quagga Mussel Early-Detection Monitoring in High Risk Oregon Waters

  Neither zebra nor quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) were detected by Portland State University (PSU) during their early detection sampling in Oregon water ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 5. Zebra and Quagga Mussel Early-Detection Monitoring in High Risk Oregon Waters Author: Wells, Steve W., Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 Neither zebra nor quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) were detected by Portland State University (PSU) during their early detection sampling in Oregon water bodies during 2013. PSU conducted sampling for planktonic larvae, juvenile, and adult mussels at nine Oregon water bodies during the July to August period coinciding with water temperatures favorable for mussel spawning. A total of 113 plankton samples were collected and over 1.6 million liters of lake water were filtered through 63-μm mesh nets during plankton sample collection. The greatest sampling effort occurred in East Lake, Prineville Reservoir, and Paulina Lake; these water bodies were identified as high risk for both mussel establishment and introduction according to Wells et al. (2009). The sampling effort, however, was fairly uniform amongst the targeted water bodies, and sampling also occurred in Upper Klamath Lake, Howard Prairie Lake, Hyatt Reservoir, Emigrant Lake, Ochoco Reservoir, and Lake Billy Chinook. Non-native invertebrates and macrophytes were opportunistically collected during Dreissena spp. sampling in 2013. Corbicula fluminea (Asian clam) straight-hinge juveniles were collected in plankton samples from East Lake and Howard Prairie Lake. Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand mud snails) were collected in Lake Billy Chinook. Radix auricularia (big-ear radix) snails were collected in Hyatt Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook and Paulina Lake. Orconectes neglectus (ringed crayfish) were collected in Hyatt Reservoir. Potamogeton crispus (curly leaf pondweed) were collected in Howard Prairie Lake, Hyatt Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook, and Upper Klamath Lake. Most of these collections were not the first detections for these species in these locations; however, to the authors’ knowledge, the following represent first detections: R. auricularia in Hyatt Reservoir and Paulina Lake, O. neglectus in Hyatt Reservoir and C. fluminea in Howard Prairie Lake. Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 5. Zebra and Quagga Mussel Early-Detection Monitoring in High Risk Oregon Waters Author: Wells, Steve W., Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 Neither zebra nor quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) were detected by Portland State University (PSU) during their early detection sampling in Oregon water bodies during 2013. PSU conducted sampling for planktonic larvae, juvenile, and adult mussels at nine Oregon water bodies during the July to August period coinciding with water temperatures favorable for mussel spawning. A total of 113 plankton samples were collected and over 1.6 million liters of lake water were filtered through 63-μm mesh nets during plankton sample collection. The greatest sampling effort occurred in East Lake, Prineville Reservoir, and Paulina Lake; these water bodies were identified as high risk for both mussel establishment and introduction according to Wells et al. (2009). The sampling effort, however, was fairly uniform amongst the targeted water bodies, and sampling also occurred in Upper Klamath Lake, Howard Prairie Lake, Hyatt Reservoir, Emigrant Lake, Ochoco Reservoir, and Lake Billy Chinook. Non-native invertebrates and macrophytes were opportunistically collected during Dreissena spp. sampling in 2013. Corbicula fluminea (Asian clam) straight-hinge juveniles were collected in plankton samples from East Lake and Howard Prairie Lake. Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand mud snails) were collected in Lake Billy Chinook. Radix auricularia (big-ear radix) snails were collected in Hyatt Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook and Paulina Lake. Orconectes neglectus (ringed crayfish) were collected in Hyatt Reservoir. Potamogeton crispus (curly leaf pondweed) were collected in Howard Prairie Lake, Hyatt Reservoir, Lake Billy Chinook, and Upper Klamath Lake. Most of these collections were not the first detections for these species in these locations; however, to the authors’ knowledge, the following represent first detections: R. auricularia in Hyatt Reservoir and Paulina Lake, O. neglectus in Hyatt Reservoir and C. fluminea in Howard Prairie Lake. Close

• 8. [Article] OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes

  In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes Author: Morgan, Vanessa, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs have drawn attention to the threat of aquatic invasive species, especially animals like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). However, invasive aquatic plants are also capable of causing severe impacts and may similarly be transferred between waterbodies on boats, trailers or other equipment. Heavy infestations can hinder recreational use by motorized and non-motorized boats, snag fishing lines, threaten the safety of swimmers and water-skiers, restrict delivery of irrigation water or quality of drinking water, and negatively impact aquatic habitats used by wildlife. One such plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), is wide-spread in much of the United States, but has only recently been found in four waterbodies in central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This plant and many other macrophytes are capable of surviving when fragments or seed are carried to new waterbodies by natural or human-mediated means. While certain natural vectors like water currents and birds cannot be controlled, a containment strategy aimed at reducing secondary spread of EWM to new waterways via boat traffic would benefit aquatic resources in the region. Towards that goal, we examined boat launches at known infested waterbodies to determine: the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil, whether physical control techniques would reduce boaters’ direct encounters with this weed, and general awareness of AIS and support for local control of EWM by lake users. Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes Author: Morgan, Vanessa, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs have drawn attention to the threat of aquatic invasive species, especially animals like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). However, invasive aquatic plants are also capable of causing severe impacts and may similarly be transferred between waterbodies on boats, trailers or other equipment. Heavy infestations can hinder recreational use by motorized and non-motorized boats, snag fishing lines, threaten the safety of swimmers and water-skiers, restrict delivery of irrigation water or quality of drinking water, and negatively impact aquatic habitats used by wildlife. One such plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), is wide-spread in much of the United States, but has only recently been found in four waterbodies in central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This plant and many other macrophytes are capable of surviving when fragments or seed are carried to new waterbodies by natural or human-mediated means. While certain natural vectors like water currents and birds cannot be controlled, a containment strategy aimed at reducing secondary spread of EWM to new waterways via boat traffic would benefit aquatic resources in the region. Towards that goal, we examined boat launches at known infested waterbodies to determine: the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil, whether physical control techniques would reduce boaters’ direct encounters with this weed, and general awareness of AIS and support for local control of EWM by lake users. Close

• 9. [Article] Aquatic Vegetation in Irrigation Canals

  Preparation of this guidance manual for integrated aquatic vegetation management in irrigation canals was stimulated, in large part, by the accidental release of acrolein-treated irrigation water into ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Vegetation in Irrigation Canals Author: Sytsma, Mark, Parker, Michael Year: 1999 Preparation of this guidance manual for integrated aquatic vegetation management in irrigation canals was stimulated, in large part, by the accidental release of acrolein-treated irrigation water into Bear Creek in southern Oregon. The resulting fish kill brought into focus the need to examine the methods available for managing aquatic vegetation in flowing water. Furthermore, it demonstrated the need for technical assistance on aquatic vegetation management in Oregon. Vegetation management in flowing water is a difficult undertaking. The interconnectedness of natural and manmade water conveyance systems, the tenuous status of many aquatic species, and the necessity of water delivery for profitable and productive agriculture in Oregon and much of the Northwest interact to focus attention on the way that aquatic vegetation management is conducted. Endangerment of fish species in the Pacific Northwest requires a detailed examination of agricultural operations. This manual is intended to provide water conveyance system managers a summary of available technologies for aquatic vegetation management and to outline the concepts and procedures necessary for development of an integrated management plan for vegetation growing in canals. With the adoption of a thoughtful approach to aquatic vegetation management, and with technical assistance and research on the problem plants and control techniques, aquatic vegetation can be managed without severe off-site and non-target impacts. It is hoped that this manual will assist in reaching that goal. Title: Aquatic Vegetation in Irrigation Canals Author: Sytsma, Mark, Parker, Michael Year: 1999 Preparation of this guidance manual for integrated aquatic vegetation management in irrigation canals was stimulated, in large part, by the accidental release of acrolein-treated irrigation water into Bear Creek in southern Oregon. The resulting fish kill brought into focus the need to examine the methods available for managing aquatic vegetation in flowing water. Furthermore, it demonstrated the need for technical assistance on aquatic vegetation management in Oregon. Vegetation management in flowing water is a difficult undertaking. The interconnectedness of natural and manmade water conveyance systems, the tenuous status of many aquatic species, and the necessity of water delivery for profitable and productive agriculture in Oregon and much of the Northwest interact to focus attention on the way that aquatic vegetation management is conducted. Endangerment of fish species in the Pacific Northwest requires a detailed examination of agricultural operations. This manual is intended to provide water conveyance system managers a summary of available technologies for aquatic vegetation management and to outline the concepts and procedures necessary for development of an integrated management plan for vegetation growing in canals. With the adoption of a thoughtful approach to aquatic vegetation management, and with technical assistance and research on the problem plants and control techniques, aquatic vegetation can be managed without severe off-site and non-target impacts. It is hoped that this manual will assist in reaching that goal. Close

• 10. [Article] Report on Nutria Management and Research in the Pacific Northwest

  The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to South America that has been introduced to numerous countries around the world, primarily for fur farming. Nutria were introduced in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report on Nutria Management and Research in the Pacific Northwest Author: Sheffels, Trevor Robert, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2007 The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to South America that has been introduced to numerous countries around the world, primarily for fur farming. Nutria were introduced in Oregon and Washington in the 1930s, and feral populations were documented in 1943. Populations are known to be expanding in both Oregon and Washington, and regional nutria damage and nuisance complaints have increased in recent years. Most of the extensive damage caused by nutria is a direct result of feeding and burrowing, but nutria are also capable of transporting parasites and pathogens transmittable to humans, livestock, and pets. Although several past regional and local nutria research and management projects have been identified, there is a shortage of nutria information from the Pacific Northwest considering that the species has been present in the region for approximately seventy years. The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs (CLR) at Portland State University (PSU), in partnership with several local, state, and federal agencies, has taken the lead in addressing the regional nutria problem. Activities completed to date include a regional nutria management workshop, the ongoing development of a regional nutria distribution/density map, and a research project to analyze the impact of nutria herbivory on regional riparian wetland habitat restoration projects. In addition, the CLR at PSU is participating in the development of the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force nutria management plan. This initial assessment of the current nutria situation in the Pacific Northwest conducted by the CLR at PSU has revealed that regional nutria problems are more extensive than previously realized. Nutria sightings have now been confirmed from the Canadian border to near the southern border of Oregon, confirming a larger range than was previously known. It was also found that the main nutria issues in the Pacific Northwest differ from the main nutria issues in Louisiana and Maryland. For example, the most significant category of regional nutria damage appears to be the destruction of water control structures and associated erosion caused by nutria burrowing, as opposed to nutria herbivory damage in Louisiana and Maryland. Another unique situation in the Pacific Northwest is the high density of nutria populations in urban areas, increasing the potential for conflicts between nutria and humans. Nutria attacks have been reported in isolated cases, and nutria are rodents that carry a variety of transmittable parasites and pathogens. It has also been confirmed that significant regional nutria herbivory damage does occur at some locations. Fortunately, it has become evident through the course of this assessment that a strong regional interest to address the nutria problem exists. A wide variety of agencies and organizations across the region are being negatively impacted by nutria, and these entities are ready to move forward to develop a feasible solution. To date, small-scale nutria management and eradication efforts have been somewhat effective temporarily, but a more permanent solution requires that the situation be addressed on a much larger scale. Due to the long period of time since the initial nutria introduction, the extent of current regional nutria populations, and the changing climate patterns, a long-term effort will likely be required to effectively address the regional nutria issue. The most immediate management need is to develop an official regional nutria management plan with the focus of greatly reducing the amount of damage being caused by this invasive rodent and preventing further population growth and expansion. The effectiveness of initial management efforts will shed light on how to adapt management strategies in the future and whether or not regional eradication is a feasible option. Continued nutria research and the development of coordinated management efforts at the regional scale are vital in order to bring the current regional nutria problem under control. The CLR at PSU has developed initial recommendations to help guide the process of determining how to most effectively manage nutria in the Pacific Northwest. First and foremost, funding sources for continued work on the regional nutria problem must be found. Once funding is secured, the development of an official nutria regional management plan is crucial. Priorities connected with the management plan would include creating an early detection rapid response plan, identifying best management practices, initiating a pilot eradication program, and identifying priority research needs. Potential research studies include a long-term pilot eradication project at the watershed level, relationships between climate change and regional nutria dispersal, and the dynamics of nutria-muskrat interactions. It is also evident that further coordination between local, state, and federal agencies is necessary to delegate responsibilities and keep all parties updated. The creation of a central regional database and appropriate agency protocols could be used to collect information about nutria damage and associated economic impacts. Current laws and regulations pertaining to nutria should be enforced and possibly updated so that Oregon and Washington laws are uniform. Finally, it is important to inform the public about current nutria issues and utilize resources the general public can potentially provide. Title: Report on Nutria Management and Research in the Pacific Northwest Author: Sheffels, Trevor Robert, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2007 The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to South America that has been introduced to numerous countries around the world, primarily for fur farming. Nutria were introduced in Oregon and Washington in the 1930s, and feral populations were documented in 1943. Populations are known to be expanding in both Oregon and Washington, and regional nutria damage and nuisance complaints have increased in recent years. Most of the extensive damage caused by nutria is a direct result of feeding and burrowing, but nutria are also capable of transporting parasites and pathogens transmittable to humans, livestock, and pets. Although several past regional and local nutria research and management projects have been identified, there is a shortage of nutria information from the Pacific Northwest considering that the species has been present in the region for approximately seventy years. The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs (CLR) at Portland State University (PSU), in partnership with several local, state, and federal agencies, has taken the lead in addressing the regional nutria problem. Activities completed to date include a regional nutria management workshop, the ongoing development of a regional nutria distribution/density map, and a research project to analyze the impact of nutria herbivory on regional riparian wetland habitat restoration projects. In addition, the CLR at PSU is participating in the development of the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force nutria management plan. This initial assessment of the current nutria situation in the Pacific Northwest conducted by the CLR at PSU has revealed that regional nutria problems are more extensive than previously realized. Nutria sightings have now been confirmed from the Canadian border to near the southern border of Oregon, confirming a larger range than was previously known. It was also found that the main nutria issues in the Pacific Northwest differ from the main nutria issues in Louisiana and Maryland. For example, the most significant category of regional nutria damage appears to be the destruction of water control structures and associated erosion caused by nutria burrowing, as opposed to nutria herbivory damage in Louisiana and Maryland. Another unique situation in the Pacific Northwest is the high density of nutria populations in urban areas, increasing the potential for conflicts between nutria and humans. Nutria attacks have been reported in isolated cases, and nutria are rodents that carry a variety of transmittable parasites and pathogens. It has also been confirmed that significant regional nutria herbivory damage does occur at some locations. Fortunately, it has become evident through the course of this assessment that a strong regional interest to address the nutria problem exists. A wide variety of agencies and organizations across the region are being negatively impacted by nutria, and these entities are ready to move forward to develop a feasible solution. To date, small-scale nutria management and eradication efforts have been somewhat effective temporarily, but a more permanent solution requires that the situation be addressed on a much larger scale. Due to the long period of time since the initial nutria introduction, the extent of current regional nutria populations, and the changing climate patterns, a long-term effort will likely be required to effectively address the regional nutria issue. The most immediate management need is to develop an official regional nutria management plan with the focus of greatly reducing the amount of damage being caused by this invasive rodent and preventing further population growth and expansion. The effectiveness of initial management efforts will shed light on how to adapt management strategies in the future and whether or not regional eradication is a feasible option. Continued nutria research and the development of coordinated management efforts at the regional scale are vital in order to bring the current regional nutria problem under control. The CLR at PSU has developed initial recommendations to help guide the process of determining how to most effectively manage nutria in the Pacific Northwest. First and foremost, funding sources for continued work on the regional nutria problem must be found. Once funding is secured, the development of an official nutria regional management plan is crucial. Priorities connected with the management plan would include creating an early detection rapid response plan, identifying best management practices, initiating a pilot eradication program, and identifying priority research needs. Potential research studies include a long-term pilot eradication project at the watershed level, relationships between climate change and regional nutria dispersal, and the dynamics of nutria-muskrat interactions. It is also evident that further coordination between local, state, and federal agencies is necessary to delegate responsibilities and keep all parties updated. The creation of a central regional database and appropriate agency protocols could be used to collect information about nutria damage and associated economic impacts. Current laws and regulations pertaining to nutria should be enforced and possibly updated so that Oregon and Washington laws are uniform. Finally, it is important to inform the public about current nutria issues and utilize resources the general public can potentially provide. Close